Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although current treatments have improved outcomes in B-cell malignancies, therapy resistance remains a major challenge and is often driven by the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this review was to assess the roles of monocytes and monocyte-derived cells in leukemia and lymphoma and to evaluate the potential of therapies targeting these populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies indicate that monocytes and monocyte-derived cells are associated with poor prognosis, therapy resistance, and treatment-related side effects in B-cell malignancies. These cells can suppress anti-tumor immunity, support malignant cell survival, and impair therapeutic efficacy. Strategies to deplete or reprogram these populations have shown promise in restoring immune function and enhancing the effectiveness of current treatments. Targeting suppressive monocyte-derived populations offers a promising strategy to overcome therapy resistance and improve outcomes in B-cell malignancies. Modulating these cells may reduce relapses, enhance treatment responses, and provide a foundation for the development of next-generation immunotherapies. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to better define the immunosuppressive and therapy-relevant subpopulations in specific diseases, which will be critical to translating these strategies into effective clinical interventions.